USF Alumni Awards
Thursday, Oct. 15
Judy Genshaft Honors College
Zimmerman Family Foundation Atrium
Meet the 2026 USF Alumni Awards Recipients
Robert A. Donaldson - Class of ’56 Service Award
Robert Donaldson was vice president of manufacturing for Florida operations at Maxi-Blast Inc. and has supported USF and the Tampa Bay region for nearly 50 years, including as a supporter of USF Athletics and multiple colleges, and as a member of the USF Foundation Board.
Tony Giarratana, Finance ’80 — Distinguished Alumni Award
Tony Giarratana is president of Giarratana LLC and a longtime force behind downtown Nashville's residential skyline, delivering landmark towers including the 45-story 505 — Nashville's tallest residential building — and the 60-story Paramount, Tennessee's future tallest, currently under construction.
Bob Glaser, Management and Organization ’77 — Distinguished Alumni Award
Bob Glaser is president and CEO of Smith & Associates Real Estate, Tampa Bay's largest and most successful independent real estate brokerage. Smith is the market leader in luxury real estate, ranking as the No. 1 brokerage above the $1 million price point in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties.
Wendi Goodson-Celerin, Nursing ’88, MS ’98 and DNP ’18 — Distinguished Alumni Award
Wendi Goodson-Celerin is the executive vice president and chief nursing executive at Florida Health Sciences Center, where she is responsible for strategic, clinical, operational and financial leadership of nursing services across the academic health system, including Tampa General Hospital, in partnership with USF.
Bill Mariotti, Business Administration ’15 — Donald A. Gifford Alumni Service Award
Bill Mariotti is the retired president and CEO of four Mariotti companies. A USF Foundation Board member and former Alumni Association Board member, he has established a large portfolio of named scholarships at USF and continues to advance initiatives across the university through his service and philanthropy.
Averill Summer, Music Education and Piano Performance ’65 — Distinguished Alumni Award
Averill Summer is an associate professor emeritus in the USF School of Music, accomplished piano soloist, and founder and retired artistic director of the Tampa Bay Children's Chorus, which has performed in Carnegie Hall, Washington, D.C., Vienna and Scotland.
Robert A. Donaldson - Class of ’56 Service Award
Robert Donaldson was vice president of manufacturing for Florida operations at Maxi-Blast Inc. and has supported USF and the Tampa Bay region for nearly 50 years, including as a supporter of USF Athletics and multiple colleges, and as a member of the USF Foundation Board.
Tony Giarratana, Finance ’80 — Distinguished Alumni Award
Tony Giarratana is president of Giarratana LLC and a longtime force behind downtown Nashville's residential skyline, delivering landmark towers including the 45-story 505 — Nashville's tallest residential building — and the 60-story Paramount, Tennessee's future tallest, currently under construction.
Bob Glaser, Management and Organization ’77 — Distinguished Alumni Award
Bob Glaser is president and CEO of Smith & Associates Real Estate, Tampa Bay's largest and most successful independent real estate brokerage. Smith is the market leader in luxury real estate, ranking as the No. 1 brokerage above the $1 million price point in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties.
Wendi Goodson-Celerin, Nursing ’88, MS ’98 and DNP ’18 — Distinguished Alumni Award
Wendi Goodson-Celerin is the executive vice president and chief nursing executive at Florida Health Sciences Center, where she is responsible for strategic, clinical, operational and financial leadership of nursing services across the academic health system, including Tampa General Hospital, in partnership with USF.
Bill Mariotti, Business Administration ’15 — Donald A. Gifford Alumni Service Award
Bill Mariotti is the retired president and CEO of four Mariotti companies. A USF Foundation Board member and former Alumni Association Board member, he has established a large portfolio of named scholarships at USF and continues to advance initiatives across the university through his service and philanthropy.
Averill Summer, Music Education and Piano Performance ’65 — Distinguished Alumni Award
Averill Summer is an associate professor emeritus in the USF School of Music, accomplished piano soloist, and founder and retired artistic director of the Tampa Bay Children's Chorus, which has performed in Carnegie Hall, Washington, D.C., Vienna and Scotland.
Recipients are typically announced in late spring or early summer, and presented with their awards at a ceremony and dinner held during USF's Homecoming Week. They are also recognized on the field at the Homecoming football game.
Award Descriptions and Criteria:
Distinguished Alumni Award
This award recognizes USF alumni who have reached the pinnacle of success in their careers or professions.
Criteria and award selection information »
Donald A. Gifford Service Award
This award, presented since 1991 and renamed in 2000, honors USF graduates who have rendered distinguished service to USF and the community.
Criteria and award selection information »
Class of '56 Award
This award recognizes a non-USF graduate who has provided outstanding service to USF and the Tampa Bay community.
Criteria and award selection information »
Award Timeline:
Nominations Opened: Jan. 5
Nominations Closed: Feb. 20
Recipients Notified: Late spring/ Early summer
Ceremony: Homecoming Week 2026
2025 proudly marked the 50th anniversary of the Distinguished Alumni Award!
Watch our video recap below.